HIV-infected, but not ill, may hold key to cure

Here’s an interesting story from the LA Times about a rare group of individuals — people infected with HIV who never become ill.

Traywick was diagnosed 21 years ago and has been healthy ever since, despite never having taken anti-HIV medications. Antibody tests demonstrate conclusively that he harbors the virus.

But his immune system has controlled it so effectively that repeated blood assays have never shown a detectable level of the invader, even though Traywick still occasionally uses speed and engages in unprotected sex.

A graying, rumpled man of 46 with darting eyes and nervous hands, Traywick said he has “spent a lot of time trying to figure out why I was a survivor. There’s got to be a reason some people are chosen not to die.”

These so-called “elite controllers” make up less than 1 percent of those with the virus. Scientists think these individuals may harbor a gene that causes their cells to express an antiviral protein.

Interesting stuff, though I’m not holding my breath for a therapeutic breakthrough any time soon. Read all about it here.